Contributors
Neil Squires
Neil Squires is the ex-rugby union correspondent for the Daily Express and has covered eight Rugby World Cups and 30 Five/Six Nations Championships. He has also written four books on the sport including the well-received but commercially catastrophic House of Lancaster, released with impeccable timing, to coincide with England's 2015 World Cup campaign.
Latest
English Premiership sides do not merit eight spots in Champions Cup
Jack Nowell: 'Bath should get a backlash from La Rochelle'
'England are not a team in freefall'
The cross-code clash making a comeback for charity
'Exciting' or 'a terrible rule'? Why escort runners could define the Autumn Nations Series
World Rugby's new directive could have far-reaching consequences for the style and tactics of an evolving game.
'There will be no honeymoon period for Borthwick's wedding usher El-Abd'
England's new defence coach is an energetic presence, but amidst a job share and tight time constraints, has much to prove.
Gabriel Ibitoye: Bristol's white-knuckle blueprint can '100% win trophies'
For the past 18 months, the Bears wing has been one of England's sharpest weapons, though national honours continue to elude him.
'The picture looks bleak for Diamond's seemingly impossible job'
The Newcastle Falcons supremo wants no sympathy, but his team looks like a Championship side operating at the wrong level.
Rory Underwood's other-worldly England record may never be broken
A phenomenal mark of 48 tries, achieved against the odds, is still a distant prospect for today's top English wingers.
'New kids on the Premiership block will catch Borthwick's eye'
The England coach will be heartened by the emergence of three talented young tight-head props.
'The Premiership's values can renew the league's diminished profile'
A solid culture, in contrast to some other sporting events, can help rugby increase its footprint in England.
'Should Northampton Saints book another open-top bus? Probably not'
High-profile departures and salary cap laws will render back-to-back Premiership titles a huge ask.
Why leading Harlequins could help Alex Dombrandt find favour with England again
The powerful No 8 ‘has a positive energy' and will 'really embrace' being made captain, believes former skipper Chris Robshaw.
Why England should host 'magnetic' Test series against southern hemisphere giants
Test series add something extra, and England should follow where South Africa and New Zealand lead.
'A 10-team Premiership sells the English game, its devotees and broadcasters short'
The top flight is competitive and watchable, but its 20th September start date feels much too late.
Dissenting voices mask the fact rugby fans can watch more live footage than ever
With Premier Sports strengthening their position as the home of rugby, rugby fans are voicing their dissatisfaction at added costs
England's next golden generation must be given opportunity to thrive
Mark Mapletoft's young bucks have tasted glory but is there now a clear pathway to Steve Borthwick's senior team?
'RFU would live to regret moral guardian angel Sinfield's departure'
Though no longer England defence coach, Kevin Sinfield's value to the RFU should be blindingly obvious.
Slow-burner George Furbank catches light as England attempt to storm All Blacks stronghold
The Northampton Saints full-back has cut a dash from deep and added some much-needed width to England's attack
Bloodied but unbowed Dan Cole prepares for final hurrah
The adamantine Leicester Tigers tighthead knows he hasn't got long left at Test level and deserves every bit of praise coming his …
Johnson happy to stay in shadows but coaching absence 'a terrible waste'
The England legend was badly burned by his experience as manager but his career is missing a post-script.
Borthwick's Babes primed to take New Zealand by storm
With Test centurions Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs and Courtney Lawes absent, there is a youthful feel to England's touring party
Jon Callard: 'It'll be just like the old days. Last one off to Twickenham turn the light off'
Twenty-eight years after their last Premiership title, Bath tread a path to HQ once so familiar.
Tom Dunn: ‘Bath was a massive ship facing the wrong way.'
The piratical hooker has been at the coalface through a turbulent 12 years and wants to leave a tangible legacy.